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Although it took a lot of effort not to laugh, Marissa did nothing to hide the amused smile that spread across her face. “I’d say you’re getting close, but close only counts in horseshoes and grenades.”

Taunting an opponent was usually a good way of making a fool out of yourself when your turn was next. But thankfully Marissa seemed to be in a bit of a groove and managed to mimic her previous roll beautifully earning her another thirty points. “Sixty to forty. Got to get higher than a twenty if you hope to take the lead.”

She rubbed her hands together as if she already had a favor in mind to ask of him.


Points: 60
Total: 150

“You just need a little more finesse… in your swing. Don’t think of it like a fight, think of it more like a hand shake. This isn’t whack-a-mole you’re not trying to kill anything.” Although now she had to wonder how he’d do at a game of bowling. She could just see it now; winding up the ball like a softball pitcher and just busting a hole out the back side of the building. Kicked out for damaging the place but hey at least he’d probably knock all the pins over.

Marissa cleared her throat in a failed attempt to banish the giggles that were brought on by such a ludicrous thought then rolled her next ball. “Mmm… that puts me at 100.” Even if he got a fifty with his last ball there was no way he was going to beat her.


Points 100
Total 200

“I’d say it’s a figure of speech but-,” After picking up the last ball Marissa stood about a step away and with a straight arm reached her hand out as if she was going to shake his. The motion was literally identical to what she had been doing while rolling the ball. “See! I wasn’t trying to be a smart a**.” She smiled innocently then made to make the final roll.

Planting her feet in the same spot she stood previously Marissa eyed Winter warily when he made no move to give her some space. Her shoulders shrugged assuming he was just being a nuisance and watching closely to criticise her technique if she tanked her last roll. That, in hindsight, was giving him too much credit, as she swung her arm forward and released the ball he bumped her side sending the skee ball way... way off course.

“Hey now!” For as angry as she tried to appear, Marissa looked more like she had stuck a sour piece of candy in her mouth instead. “We’re supposed to be a team, you’re not supposed to sabotage me!” She jabbed him in the shoulder with her finger then let out a humph sound before laughter took over. Granted it really didn’t matter either way, if she got a ten or fifty, the result would have still been a small prize. “You are definitely not allowed to harass me for missing the swing on the first game.” By now Marissa was laughing enough that tears were starting to blur her vision.


Points 110
Total 220

Hugging her wolf close, Marissa nodded and fell in step beside him face still pink from the laughter but for now, the giggles had died down. “If we ever play that game against each other I’m going to make sure there is one, if not two,” she held her fingers out just to emphasize the number, “games between us so you can’t cheat like that again.” Although, perhaps he should be the one worried now that he had given her the idea to do it back to him sometime.

The ferris wheel was one of the largest rides at the faire, only second to the roller coaster, with at least twenty swinging gondolas that could comfortably seat a party of three to four. And while the line appeared to be short it did take a while to come to their turn. Thankfully they were one of the last waves of passengers to get on which minimized the stop and go as the ride operator circulated in new riders.

“You know…” With her chin resting atop the stuffed animals head Marissa stared out across the faire grounds at the colorful flashing lights and high-spirited people with a truly content look on her face. “I can honestly say that this is the happiest I’ve been all year.” More than that, she felt alive whereas for months it had felt like she was slowly withering away in her room, longing for what she could not have.

She turned to him then and in her eyes was a light of life that had only showed up a few times albeit briefly. “Thank you for inviting me to come here with you.”

If it wasn’t that she was being a nuisance to him earlier by taking photos and slow-motion videos then she would have probably protested him snapping one of her. But it seemed fair that he gets at least one as well. Although, before they leave, she’d like to get one of both of them for memories sake.

“Hey,” Marissa’s voice was gentle as she reached across and put her hand atop his. “You talk like this is the last time you’ll have fun.” Granted in war any day could be your last, but Wolframite was a survivor and would make it through whatever trials were thrown at him.

“You’re a Captain now and with that is more freedom to do what you want when you want to. I know, before you say anything, that your duties and obligations to the Negaverse come first. But-” she paused a moment and just looked at Winter and the way the colorful lights had an almost kaleidoscope effect behind him. “But when opportunities present themselves, grab onto them. Whether they’re happy or sad, they’re still memories.”

“You know what I’m looking forward to more than anything?” Her head canted to the side but the smile on her face suggested that it more than likely had something to do with him.

Marissa nearly face palmed but instead hung her head forward and laughed. “No not cotton candy.” She shook her head then sat up again. Leaning her back against the seat she hugged the wolf close and turned her back out beyond the faire grounds, far past the parking lot and rows of houses where lights faded against the darkened horizon.

“I’m looking forward to being able to run away with you for the holidays.” Even if it was only for a day, the time would be worth it.

“There is still plenty of time for us to grow until then and as long as you don’t focus so much on the negatives then I think you have what it takes to be as great as the leaders you look up to. You have passion and determination, I’ll give you that. But if you get hung up on what could happen or mistakes you might make then you will stumble.” It is like walking along a balance beam, focus too much on your feet you’ll wobble the entire way but if you just simply look up things tend to go more smoothly. “But I feel like the more officers you inspire then they will, in turn, be there for you if you happen to falter or fall.”

When the gondola began to sway, she turned her attention back to Winter and would have moved over but he had sat back down in his seat instead.

“Okay,” she replied with a genuine smile and took his hand in her own. “The offer goes to you as well. That is assuming you don’t mind a blue scaled duckling following you around, I would be happy to be able to do more things like this with you.” Inexperienced in most things, unfortunately, she found herself looking to him for a direction. Whether he realized it or not, he was an inspiration to her.

“I think I know what I want my favor to be.” Marissa brought a hand up and pressed a finger to her lips as if it was a secret. “But I can’t tell you here. I want to wait until we get back to the barracks.” No sooner had she spoke her request did the ferris wheel slow to a stop as the ride operator rotated in the next set of people in another cart. “There’s one thing I want to get before we go though.”

Although it was a fleeting feeling, Marissa could feel the blush as it swept across her face and for a moment she actually felt thankful it was night time and that the bright lights could hide her reaction. For as aggressive he had been when trying to push her limits he did have a gentle side and that made her heart happy. Wolframite had said he would try to work on his temper and it seemed that he had taken that to heart.

“I’d like to stop by the Mrs. Fields stall before we leave. Birthdays are usually celebrated with cake or cupcakes but I thought maybe to celebrate your promotion a bag of cookies to take back with us would be a more appropriate way to end the day.” One of the few sweets she remembered that he enjoyed and since she couldn’t make them herself without access to a kitchen, this would be the best alternative and at least they wouldn’t have to worry about any being burnt.